Future Combat Air System (FCAS)

The French Air Force has welcomed the launch of Phase 1B of the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, which will replace its Dassault Rafale fleet.

The £656 million ($822 million) contract was awarded to BAE Systems on April 14.

Airbus believes the technology will pave the way for refueling of the UAS and collaborative combat aircraft being developed for FCAS.

Saudi Arabia and the UK have signed an agreement for closer collaboration concerning future combat aircraft.

As current fourth and fifth-generation fighters evolve and find new customers, attention is turning to next-generation efforts.